Upper-Limb Force–Time Characteristics Determine Serve Velocity in Competition Tennis Players

Abstract

Purpose: (1) To analyze the associations between serve velocity (SV) and various single-joint upper-limb isometric force–time curve parameters, (2) to develop a prediction model based on the relationship between these variables, and (3) to determine whether these factors are capable of discriminating between tennis players with different SV performances. Method: A total of 17 high-performance tennis players performed 8 isometric tests of joints and movements included in the serve kinetic chain (wrist and elbow flexion [EF] and extension; shoulder flexion [SHF] and extension [SHE], internal [SHIR] and external rotation). Isometric force (IF), rate of force development (RFD), and impulse (IMP) at different time intervals (0–250 ms) were obtained for analysis. Results: Significant (P < .05 to P < .01) and moderate to very large correlations were found between SV and isometric force (IF), RFD and impulse (IMP) at different time intervals in all joint positions tested (except for the EF). Stepwise multiple regression analysis highlighted the importance of RFD in the SHIR from 0 to 50 milliseconds and isometric force (IF) in the SHF at 250 milliseconds on SV performance. Moreover, the discriminant analyses established SHIR RFD from 0 to 30 milliseconds as the most important factor discriminating players with different serve performances. Conclusions: Force–time parameters in upper-limb joints involved in the serve moderate to very largely influence SV. Findings suggest that the capability to develop force in short periods of time (<250 ms), especially in the shoulder joint, seems relevant to develop high SV in competition tennis players.

Determinant Physical Factors of Tennis Serve Velocity: A Brief Review

“…16 Because of this, investigations have typically aimed at analyzing MIS values at specific joint angles observed throughout the kinetic chain, involving upper and lower body structures. Most of these studies concluded that the main contributor to a greater SV is shoulder internal rotation, 31,38 although positive relations were found between MIS and SV in most arm positions tested involved in the serve kinetic chain, 15,21,22 being the wrist flexion, extension, and shoulder flexion the movements with stronger associations. Notwithstanding, Baiget et al 21 considered these positive correlations present in specific positions and involving MIS of few muscle groups would not be a strong predictor of SV by themselves but only accounted for one piece of the puzzle.…”

“…Added to this, besides the combination of different joint positions and movements involved in the serve, certain strength levels regarding RFD and IMP may also positively influence SV. Baiget et al 22 investigated the influence of RFD at different time intervals (ie, 0-250 ms) alongside IMP on SV.…”

“…Physical capacities and neuromuscular performance variables have also been studied in relation to their influence on SV. Maximal dynamic strength [18][19][20] and maximal isometric strength (MIS), 7,15,21,22 rate of force development (RFD), impulse (IMP), 15,22 range of motion (ROM), 23,24 muscle contractile properties, 18 functional measurements of power such as medicine ball throws (MBT), or jumping capacity 7,25 have previously been in some way related to higher or lower SV. Nevertheless, although the influence of these traits seems clear, the importance and impact of these variables on SV varies across sexes and playing levels due to interactions with other parameters present in the complex serve motion such as biomechanics and technique.…”

Joint-specific Postactivation Potentiation Enhances Serve Velocity in Young Tennis Players

“…Tennis serve is a high-demanding coordinative technical action influenced by several biomechanical, anthropometric, or neuromuscular parameters (1,10,22). Alongside the recent evolution of tennis performance, the tennis serve has been considered the most powerful and important stroke in competition tennis players, with the serve velocity (SV) playing a preponderant role in elite tennis competitions (15) and also in young tennis players (29).…”

“…From a biomechanical standpoint, the serve is determined by diverse neuromuscular (e.g., rate of force development [RFD]), anthropometric (e.g., body mass and body height), or technical (e.g., ball impact angle and height) variables (1,18). Moreover, the activation and coordination of the trunk and upper-and lower-limb joints throughout the whole kinetic chain while relying on elastic energy and muscle preload is a paramount factor (21).…”